June 29, 2020

After thorough consideration and consultation with our Board of Directors, Volunteers, and Event Planning Staff, Wellfield is heartbroken to announce that we are cancelling Taste of the Gardens scheduled for August 23. From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wellfield’s priority has been the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and guests. The logistics and sheer numbers of people involved with Taste of the Gardens make the assurance of proper safety protocols unrealistic in the current environment. While disappointing, we know that cancellation is the responsible and clear decision.

We offer our sincerest apologies to the talented artists, restaurant owners, and musicians who have committed to this event. All artists’ fees will be refunded, and we are committed to promoting our local restaurants that have been so greatly impacted by the pandemic, in an alternative and safe manner.

For over a decade, the Elkhart Rotary Club has produced Taste of the Gardens, supporting the event tirelessly through volunteerism and enthusiasm. Additionally, Wellfield has greatly appreciated the financial support of so many local businesses and individuals through event sponsorship of ‘Taste’. We hope you will consider re-directing your support at Wellfield in a way that is meaningful to you or your business, while furthering Wellfield’s mission to celebrate the inseparable relationship between water and life, inspire creativity and lifelong learning, foster stewardship of our natural world, and grow community. We will be reaching out to you with opportunities in the days ahead.

Our goal remains creating a beautiful, enriching, and SAFE experience for everyone at Wellfield. For limited-capacity events such as Groovin’ in the Gardens Summer Concerts and Premier Arts productions including Disney’s Moana Jr and Mamma Mia!, Wellfield’s spacious 36 acres, wide pathways, and stunning landscapes are an ideal environment for social distancing between families and friends. Our ‘Modified Visitation Plan’ emphasizes the health and safety of guests, volunteers, and staff while allowing for enjoyment of the grounds, including Wellfield’s NEWEST themed garden space – – the Japanese-inspired “Island Garden”. For a complete listing of Modified Visitation Plan protocols and visitor information, please visit our website wellfieldgardens.org.

We look forward to seeing you in the Garden soon and we are already excited for planning Taste of the Gardens 2021!

-Eric Garton
Robert and Peggy Weed Executive Director
Wellfield Botanic Gardens

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Here’s a short video of a previous Taste of the Gardens, courtesy of Vala Marketing

 

Taste of the Gardens is the fourth Sunday in August from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Enjoy a gorgeous summer day at Michiana’s most beautiful outdoor location while perusing fine art, listening to live music and enjoying a sampling of the area’s tastiest food and drinks. Wellfield comes alive with art, music, food and FUN at this popular festival, attracting guests from around the region. You’ll love what’s in store!

Tickets at the gate are $10 for adults.
Children 12 and under are free with an adult.

*Please note: as this is a special, ticketed event produced by the Elkhart Rotary Club, Wellfield membership discounts do not apply. 

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LIVE Entertainment Lineup:

• Main Stage:
  • 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
  • 12:50 – 2:20 p.m. 
  • 2:40 – 4:10 p.m. 
  • 4:30 – 6 p.m. 
• Forest Stage:
  • Schedule to be announced

FOOD: [Coming soon!] 2020 Restaurants and their menus

• Here’s how it works: Local Restaurants will be selling food at their locations around the Promenade. You walk up, choose what you’d like from their menu and purchase directly from the restaurant! Enjoy a socially-distanced Taste of the Gardens at Wellfield Botanic Gardens while supporting local businesses!

ART: [Coming soon!] 2020 participating Artist lineup

2019 Taste of the Gardens Artist Award Winners

• Eric Kaufmann – “Best Expression of the Gardens” Award Winner
• Alli Farkas – “Best Overall” Award Winner
• Sophia Pip – “Best Booth Display” Award Winner

Thanks to our 2020 Art Judges, announced soon:

 

Please continue to help us thank our 2019 sponsors. 

$5000
D&W, Inc. – Main Stage Sponsor

Welch Packaging – Band Sponsor

Media Sponsor

$2500
Chiphone Federal Credit Union – Artist Sponsor

Indiana Trust Wealth Management – Food Tent Sponsor

$2000 Garden Sponsors
Cornerstone CPA Group
INOVA Federal

$1000 Taste Sponsors
Homan Lumber Mart, Inc.
Kruggel Lawton CPA
Terri and Bob Rickel

$500 Patron Sponsors
Ancon Construction
Chester Law office, LLC
Collins & Company
Crowe LLP
DJ Construction
J.A. Wagner Construction
KeyBank
MutualBank
Terri and Bob Rickel


Annual Partners of Wellfield Botanic Gardens
also support Taste of the Gardens
through their generous support of Wellfield Botanic Gardens